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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (June 3, 2011)
I OREGON'S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE W hat began as a barbecue among friends seven years ago has blossomed into an ever- evolving, visible source of pride in Central Oregon. And just as Bend Pride has left the confines of the backyard, the organizers behind the festivities continue to break down barriers in an not-yet-completely tolerant community. Constituting a week’s worth o f seminars, friendly fundraisers, circus sideshows, queer proms, live music and more, the Human Dig nity Coalition’s Seventh Annual Bend Pride Festival is ready to make its mark yet again. “Pride continues to garner support from the Central Oregon community,” explains Heather Laurie, H D C ’s program coordinator. “Each year we see a steady increase in our number of vendors and participants. We are still a small, quaint cel ebration, but it’s a good day for all involved.” Bend is still playing catch up when it comes to fostering the LGBTQ.community. Laurie says that H D C constituents have explained how important the group’s outreach, education and community events are to Central Oregon’s queer community— the only times, they say, when it’s okay to be gay in Bend. “We still do not have any gay bars, coffee shops or drop-in centers,”says Laurie. “At H D C we continue to strive to create a community of acceptance for LG BTQ . members. We have a long ways to go, but holding public Pride cele brations does help make a difference.” Assisting H D C in its Pride efforts is the Stars and Rainbows committee— an offshoot designed to organize several activities for the — statewidepride— JUNE 3. 2011 P15JB friends. One dollar from every menu item pur chased goes to H D C . The circus rolls into town Friday, June 10 (7 -10 p.m.) with the third annual Queer Prom, dubbed “Cirque du So Gay.” A spectacle of snake-charmers, stilt-walkers, dancers, per b y ryan j . p r a d o formers, deejays and more, the gala provides a crucial welcoming environment for LGBTQ_ j'o u th in Central Oregon. The event is being planned by four youth interns at H D C , folks | who know the importance of a night when 05 young people can be themselves without ridi cule or judgment. “Queer Prom has been growing in popularity since its inception,” says Laurie, who notes the increase in Gay-Straight Alliances in local high schools. H D C also hosts Queer Youth Space (QYS, pronounced “kiss”), a twice monthly drop- (354 NE Greenwood Ave., Ste. 110) Monday, in night for youth ages 14-20. “Cirque du So Gay June 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. The training, Laurie ex is a chance for young people to come out, dress plains, will be specific to LGBTQ_ terminology, how they want, dance with whom they want, and culture and information. be embraced for the dynamic and wonderful “We frequently get requests from other non young people that they are,” Laurie adds. profit organizations, businesses, schools, thera The main celebration on June 11 features pists and more for information and help with area deejays and musicians, though as of press their LGBTQ_ clients,” Laurie says. “These time H D C had not confirmed a final lineup. places and people seek to be able to work with The event welcomes participants from around our constituents in the most culturally sensitive the state and acts as a regional LGBTQ_ re and respectful ways possible. We will be provid source hub for the community at large. And ing this training free o f charge to anyone in the following the festival, an after-party at Club community who is interested in attending.” Seven (1033 N W Bond St., 9-11 p.m.) keeps On Tuesday, June 7, Brew Werks (384 SW the Pride going for those 21 and over. JK Upper Terrace Drive, 6-8 p.m.) hosts a happy hour fundraiser for community members and Visit glbtbend.com or humandignitycoalition.org. Central Focus Seventh Annual Bend Pride Festival suits up for summer support LG BTQ_ community in Central Oregon. The organization, launched in January, already boasts close to 200 members, providing gatherings for movies, skiing, cocktails and more on a monthly basis. The group holds an unofficial kick-off meet-and-greet on Sunday, June 5 (11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.) and a closing picnic and hiking event Sunday, June 12 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), along with a Bloody Mary Farewell Party and Brunch the same day at Common Table (150 NW Oregon Ave., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.). Before the official Bend Pride celebration on Saturday, June 11—held at McKay Park (166 SW Shevlin-Hixon Drive, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)— H D C broadens its outreach with an LGBTQ_ Cultural Sensitivity Training at the H D C offices Y ■i ll $21 Class Fee OLCC approved online class Moment's Notice Oregon Testing 62.CO IT1 for details 360.944.1911 Online training available 24/7 www.asepdx.com
